Paul

Reading through the jobs posts on here, quite a few people have been wondering about having a job there and traveling if it is worth it or not. I live about 2 hours away by train, and have had the experience first-hand now. I will give some advice that hopefully any of you in that situation will find useful. 1. Many people seem to have pre-conceptions that being a ride host or operator is the easiest job in the world. This couldn't be more wrong. The job is by far more challenging than any other I've had before, and can be stressful at times. Having said this, it was the best job I've ever had, being the most rewarding if you put a lot into it. 2. Having a commute of near enough 2 hours each way, it isn't the most ideal and practical of job locations for me. However, Merlin were very flexible and were able to make my rota so that I never worked two days in a row. (giving me a day inbetween each shift to relax/recover)3. Despite still being quite expensive, I bought a Young Person's railcard for £25, which saved me so much money over the period I was working. 4. I tried several days in a row, but it just wasn't working (my days were leave home at 6.30am, get back home around 7pm) so working consecutive days just wasn't an option.So those of you who are thinking that you live too far away and it isn't possible, this is proof that it can be done! The travel costs didn't take too much out of my wages, so the only bad side is the time spent travelling. Personally I'm quite tolerant when it comes to travelling and I enjoy train journeys, so this isn't so much of a problem to me.My main tips if you're considering it is: Get yourself a YPRC if travelling by train. It would be stupid not to!Do not try to work consecutive days if you have a similar commute to mine, you will just get too stressed and exhausted and feel like you have no time for anything else! (as soon as you get home it will be time to sleep!) I started off thinking I would be able to do days in a row but after a week I couldn't cope. It's a very demanding and challenging job, but if you put lots of effort and enthusiasm into it, it is very rewarding. I had a fantastic experience, and would never regret it.

It's true, last year when I applied and was unsuccessful I asked if they could tell me the reason and they were more than happy to - I received a very friendly email back, it was very personal too - not just another generic email.

Ah bad luck Did you contact them or did they reply?

I did reply back, but now I have to wait until Monday for a reply

Yes. I got an email today saying that having attending an assessment centre, my application will not be taken forward because of the time that I need off for holiday. Two problems there: 1. I haven't attended an assessment centre. 2. I said in my application that I didn't need any time off for holiday.

Cool! Good luck for then I'm still waiting to hear back...

Well done! What position did you apply for and when did you hear back?

I'm really unimpressed with Chessington - from my own experience and other stories I've heard, they are not great at replying to let applicants know the outcome - even if it isn't successful.

I'll do a full report tomorrow

I just think that in all that time leading up to the trip I had built up my expectations so high, that when I arrived I think I was just expecting too much.

Really??

After a LONG anticipated visit to Alton Towers this year after waiting 7 years, I've got to say, I was slightly disappointed. I can't seem to put my finger exactly on why, but I just prefer Chessington as a park, and prefer my days there than I did at Alton. I was also disappointed by the waterpark, it just seemed to lack something.

I don't know how much luck that will bring either, I emailed them over a week ago and haven't had a reply...

I haven't either -_-To be honest I think they are leaving it a bit late seeing as the job advert said that if you get the job then you will be required to start the week beginning next monday!

I've applied for the recent R&A host advert - 3rd time lucky!!If they're going to take a lot longer than 2 weeks, they should really change their website...

Cool thanks guys

Does the recruitment process ALWAYS include an assessment? Or are there other forms of procedure after the application stage?Also, 2nd question, does anyone know if it is possible that you could have an assessment and induction in the same day?

For those who are interested, weekend, part-time and full-time jobs in R&A are available at the moment...

Is anyone else experiencing problems accessing the 'Job Search' page on merlin recruitment sites?

Thanks guys I applied about 12 days ago now, for some reason I had it in my head as being around 2 weeks but who knows....

What is the usual amount of time that Merlin take to contact you after an application?

Okay thanks, I applied for a Sales job about a week ago with R&A as my second option. Hopefully I'll hear back soon!

From past years, does anyone know what sort of recruitment pattern Chessington have for the summer? Do they usually recruit new R&A staff for summer periods? Because they have a couple of summer positions on the website at the moment and I'm just thinking that they might not put anymore on seeing as it is getting close to the summer holidays...Also, is the anyone on here who works at the moment or has worked in sales? There is a job in sales on there at the moment and it looks quite interesting... what sorts of things do you do day to day?

Wow, lucky for you - that was quick!

This time last year the seasonal recruitment for R&A was on the website, I wonder when it will come up this year....